Enviroflight and Antioch College may collaborate on a project to benefit both entities. In the photo, Enviroflight President Glen Courtright is shown being filmed by a CNN cameraman for a segment on that network last fall. (photo by Suzanne Szempruch)

Enviroflight, college collaborate on project

The local food sustainability business Enviroflight hopes to move its aquaculture research component to the former Antioch College art building, Enviroflight founder Glen Courtright told the college’s board of trustees at a public meeting last Saturday morning.

“We believe this fits well with what you’re doing,” Courtright said to the trustees, regarding the college’s interest in sustainability.

However, the move is contingent on the college being awarded a $600,000 grant through the Ohio Capital Appropriations Bill, according to Courtright. If the college does not win the grant, the company will try to find another way to house the aquaculture operation, according to Courtright this week.The college will apply for the grant in February and should have an answer in about six months.

The grant money would be used to refurbish the art building, which has significant disrepair that has been estimated to cost about $450 to $550,000 to repair, according to Andi Adkins, college vice president of administration and finance. The building repair at no cost would be the collaboration’s main benefit to the college, Courtright said, although the college would also receive co-op job opportunities for its students, along with free fish.

The college and Enviroflight will negotiate about a possible rental agreement in the future, Courtright said this week.

The company’s main operations, that of raising black soldier flies to be used for animal and fish feed, will continue at this time at its Millworks location, although he is looking for a larger high bay space, and is considering the Creative Memories building, Courtright said.